Chapter: 13. The Malgudi Cricket Club
A. Answer these questions.
Who had recently moved from one school to another? Name the person and the schools. Swaminathan had recently moved from Albert Mission School to Board School. What was Swaminathan doing when Rajam arrived? Swaminathan was sitting in a dark corner of the house trying to make a camera with a cardboard box and a spectacle lens when Rajam arrived. Who was better at coming up with names for the team? Which team did the two boys want to beat? Swaminathan was better at coming up with names for the team. The two boys wanted to beat their School Eleven, specifically the Board High School Eleven. Where was Rajam going to order cricket bats from? Rajam was going to order cricket bats from Messrs Binns, a shop for sports goods located on Mount Road, Madras. Why did Rajam want to buy three bats? Who objected to it and why? Rajam wanted to buy three bats because he thought one might break in the middle of a match. Mani objected, stating that two would be sufficient and they shouldn’t waste money, and that opponents should come with their own bats. What were Mani’s objections to the letter? Was it changed finally? Why not? Mani’s objection to the letter was Rajam addressing Messrs Binns as “Dear Sir,” arguing it should simply be “Sir” since Binns was a stranger. The letter was not changed finally because Rajam refused, stating he was not Binns’ clerk and thus would not address him as “Sir.” B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
What! The Board School mugs think that! We shall thrash them. Oh, yes.
a. Who said this and to whom?
* Rajam said this to Swaminathan.
b. What does the word ‘thrash’ mean in this context?
* In this context, ‘thrash’ means to defeat someone thoroughly or decisively in a game or contest.
c. What did the ‘Board School mugs’ think?
* The ‘Board School mugs’ thought that they couldn’t be beaten. Swaminathan noted down on a paper, ‘Vilord June-ear bat.’ And looking up asked, ‘How many?’
a. What had Swaminathan written down? Had he written it accurately?
* Swaminathan had written down ‘Vilord June-ear bat.’ No, he had not written it accurately; it was a phonetic misspelling of ‘Junior Willard Bat.’
b. How did Rajam and Mani respond to his question?
* Rajam initially suggested “three” bats. Mani then responded by saying “Two will do,” arguing against wasting money.
c. What were the three boys discussing and why?
* The three boys were discussing the quantity of cricket bats to order from the Messrs Binns sports catalogue for their newly forming cricket team, the Malgudi Cricket Club. C. Think and answer.
Find two instances of humour in the story and explain why they are funny. Instance 1: Rajam’s confident declaration that if they get into trouble for using “MCC” (Marylebone Cricket Club), he will simply “declare before the judge that MCC stands for Malgudi Cricket Club.” This is funny because it highlights the innocent, yet firm, logic of children trying to navigate adult rules, assuming a simple redefinition will solve any legal issues. The image of a judge dealing with this explanation is inherently comical. Instance 2: The crafting of the order letter to Messrs Binns. Specifically, Rajam’s refusal to use “Sir” to address the shop owner, stating, “It is said only by clerks. I am not Binns’ clerk. I don’t care to address him as ‘Sir’.” This is humorous as it showcases the boys’ elevated sense of self-importance and their naive understanding of formal etiquette, making a simple letter-writing task an amusing battle of wills and perceived status. You have been asked to organise any sports match and be the captain of the team for your school. You will have to do everything from buying supplies to recruiting team members. Make a list of all the tasks you will need to complete as the organiser. Also come up with a name for your team. Tasks to Complete as Organiser/Captain: Decide on the sport (e.g., football, basketball, cricket) and the type of match (friendly, competitive). Recruit and select team members, possibly holding try-outs. Choose a unique and motivating team name. Secure a playing venue (field/court) and schedule practice times. Create a list of necessary equipment (balls, bats, nets, uniforms, first-aid kit) and estimate costs. Plan how to acquire supplies (e.g., school funding, team contributions, sponsorship). Develop a training schedule and plan practice drills. Assign team positions and discuss game strategies. Communicate with the opposing team, school authorities, and parents. Ensure game day logistics like water, snacks, and a referee/umpire are arranged. Foster team spirit and resolve any conflicts among members. Team Name Suggestion: The Valiant Lions 
Answers to textbook exercises